By Canadian Press

Trail closed in Nanaimo, B.C., for public safety after ‘aggressive’ cougar sightings

Jan 7, 2025 | 9:12 AM

NANAIMO, B.C. — The Regional District of Nanaimo in British Columbia says it’s temporarily closing a hiking trail due to the presence of an “aggressive” cougar.

It cites public safety in a notice posted Monday, saying Ammonite Falls Regional Trail is closed until further notice between Creekside trailhead and the falls viewpoint in Benson Creek Falls Regional Park.

The district on Vancouver Island says the aggressive behaviour by the cougar was first spotted near the trail on New Year’s Day.

It says there have since been additional reports of the cougar “guarding its kill in the area.”

The district says the B.C. Conservation Officer Service has been notified, and closure signs were erected in the area on Monday.

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It says cougars are part of the environment in B.C., and is advising precautions that include leashing pets, travelling in groups and carrying bear spray.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2025.

The Canadian Press